Do all 04 Tacoma 4x4 shafts have u-joints?

I took mine to a Toyota dealer to investigate a clanking noise that I get often when going from Park to Reverse in the mornings. I happen to mention that it was similar to the old U-joint noise I experienced in some of my older cars. His reply was that 2004 4x4's don't have u-joints and I probably need a new drive shaft at about $1800. This from a very large dealership. Thoughts anyone?

 

Yea, take it to a different dealer.

 

Almost every car that has to deliver power to the other end of the vehicle uses u joints. Your dealer is a slimy little cretin trying to screw you over.

I would not recommend any dealer in the world only because they have to answer to higher levels. Local, reputable mechanics are usually their own boss, and look to have happy customers return.

 

Uh never go there again... No u-joints? I bet you talked to a sales guy....

 

So let it be written, so let it be done. I'll find another dealer. Thanks everyone.

 

And I bet they don't even use Vaseline!

 

I had the same describe "clanking" tried to change the u joint myself... Long story short took it to a local garage... So what they told me is that tacoma's have an "unserviceable ujoint" that it requires a special press.. So they took it to a drive shaft shop. New ujoints. And what was causing the "clanking" was a spring inside the shaft. It only ran me $200 something. All problems fixed. And they repainted it to

 

Unservicable usually means...it's not greasable and doesn't have zerks.

 

Most tacomas have a two piece driveshaft in the rear, these shafts have a u-joint assembly at the joining area. This joint cannot be changed without special tools, most mechanics won't mess with it and replace the entire shaft assembly. That being said, the rest of the driveshaft has standard u-joints that can be changed like any other. Driveshaft shops can replace the assembly for much cheaper than a new shaft.

 

We have 3 U joints and a Double Cardin Joint.

however.

They do say that there is no aftermarket replacement u joint that fits our drive shafts 100% perfect.

that said..i just went to the parts store and bought one for 30 bucks and swaped it in when mine went bad...not hard to do